Comment: The following article appeared in Philelefteros of Nicosia on 6 May 2003.

This Friday in the occupied territories

'Surprises' and 'spectacular' moves are
expected of Erdogan

Nicosia: The Turkish
Prime Minister, Recep Tayipp Erdogan is expected to arrive in Cyprus on
Friday for an illegal visit. The visit is expected to involve
'surprises' and 'spectacular' moves with respect to the Cyprus issue.
Information regarding the new Turkish initiatives were brought to light
on Sunday in the Turkish-Cypriot press. It is clear that the new
initiatives will be a continuation to the first measure addressing the
partial lifting of restrictions in the free movement to and from the
occupied areas. At the same time, according to Philelefteros, the
Greek-Cypriot side views Ankara's aims with skepticism, mainly its
efforts to draw attention to the confidence building measures and to
avoid any meaningful and substantial discussion within the UN framework.
According to Nicosia's appraisals, the promotion of additional measures
by the Turkish Cypriots aims at creating the requirement for a de facto
settlement of the Cyprus issue and a disengagement from further
discussing the Annan Plan.

According to the
Sunday issues of Afrika and Kibrisli, Tayipp Erdogan will announce
during his 24-hour visit the following:

Gradual withdrawal
of the occupation forces (each year a number of soldiers is to depart)
Gradual resettlement of Greek-Cypriots to their homes (it is not
clear what he means nor is he submitting percentages and figures) and
Return of a part of Ammohostos to its legal inhabitants.

According to the
Turkish plans, funding for repair works will be granted by the United
Nations, the European Union and other international organizations.

Also, special courts
will be set up manned by Turkish judges regarding the settlement of
property cases (they will ask for the cooperation of the European Court
of Human Rights).

The lifting of the
restrictions regarding free movement will be expanded to other sectors
as well, such as transportation, communications, sports and culture,
while it will involve the free movement of ships and aircrafts too.

All these seem to be
connected with the total lifting of the economic embargo on the Turkish
part. A move that does not affect the free trade between Greek and
Turkish Cypriots, which will be conducted anyway, but the legitimisation
of the ports and airports in the occupied territory, through which
avoiding the Republic of Cyprus exports will be made.

The Cypriot
Government has already formed several alternative moves in view of
Erdogan's visit to the occupied areas. Nicosia clarified that it will
not be led to any discussions that concern merely the confidence
building measures and certainly they are not to consent to discussions
outside the framework and presence of the United Nations.

The President of the
Republic, Tassos Papadopoulos in his statements ruled out the
possibility of the operation of the Ammohostos' port for trade purposes
from the occupied areas. The President said that on no account is the
port to operate by someone other than the Republic of Cyprus."This is
our position and it is well-known to foreigners", said Mr. Papadopoulos.

Also, he rejected
the criticism that the government acted in confusion, stating that the
Government acted a day before Denktash announced the partial lifting in
movement restrictions."